Collage of interior design photos showcasing various modern home spaces: kitchens with white and navy cabinets, an entryway with hooks, stylish bathrooms including one with a teal accent wall, and a sleek shower area. Center text reads "DESIGN Build.

The Benefits of Choosing Design-Build

If you’re feeling less than satisfied with your current home in Montgomery County, PA, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves dreaming of a space that better reflects their style or serves their needs more efficiently. Whether you’re considering a full remodel or just need a few updates, the key to a successful project is choosing the right approach. One option that’s gaining popularity is design-build remodeling—and for good reason. Here’s why this approach should be at the top of your list for your next home remodeling project.

  1. Streamlined Communication for a Smoother Process

    With design-build remodeling, you work with a single firm from start to finish. This unified team approach eliminates the need for constant back-and-forth between different professionals. From the initial design concept to the final construction, you’ll be communicating with one team that understands your vision and has the expertise to bring it to life. Since everyone is on the same team, the process is more efficient, and you’re guaranteed smoother transitions between each phase of the project. This streamlined communication makes a huge difference in staying on track, meeting deadlines, and minimizing costly mistakes.

  1. Simplified Change Orders and Flexibility

    It’s not uncommon for homeowners to make adjustments during the course of a remodel. In a design-build model, however, change orders are much easier to implement. Since the design and construction teams are working together, adjustments can be made quickly and without the need for additional hires. If you want to change the layout, update materials, or reimagine a space, the design-build firm can make those changes directly—saving you time, money, and unnecessary headaches. This flexibility ensures that the final result aligns perfectly with your vision, no matter how it evolves throughout the process.

  2. Greater Control Over Budget and Timeline

    A common frustration with traditional remodeling projects is the unpredictability of costs and timelines. When different teams are working independently, you may find that budget overruns or delays become frequent as the project progresses. Since design-build firms manage both the design and construction phases, they have a clear understanding of what’s possible within your budget and timeframe from the outset. This level of oversight means you won’t have to deal with the stress of going over budget or missing important deadlines.

  3. A More Cohesive Design Vision 

    One of the key benefits of a design-build approach is the way it integrates design and construction. When architects, designers, and contractors work together from the beginning, the design evolves alongside the technical details of the construction process. This ensures that your vision is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and feasible.

  4. The Future of Home Remodeling 

    Design-build construction is not just a trend—it’s the future of home remodeling. According to FMI Consulting, spending on design-build projects is expected to exceed $400 billion by 2025, as more homeowners recognize the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality it offers.

    This approach has been proven to deliver consistent results across residential renovations making it a trusted method for homeowners who want a streamlined, professional, and successful remodeling experience. 

    Ready to Transform Your Home?

    At Creative Contracting, we specialize in design-build remodeling, helping homeowners in Montgomery County and Bucks County create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and tailored to their needs. Reach out today to learn more about how we can turn your vision into reality, and let’s start drawing up plans for your home transformation!

    A modern bathroom featuring a black granite countertop with double sinks, a glass-enclosed sauna labeled "Sunlighten mPulse," a large bathtub with surrounding patterned tiles, and a wicker laundry basket reminiscent of those found in stylish kitchen renovations. The room is lit with recessed lighting.

    A Family-Filled Space Evolves Into a Luxurious Bathroom Spa Retreat

    As the cool breezes of fall start rolling in, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at your home and consider how you can create the sanctuary you’ve always dreamed of. At Creative Contracting, we’ve been helping homeowners in Lansdale and beyond turn their vision of luxurious, functional spaces into reality for over two decades. There’s no better example of this than Mark and Linda’s basement remodel, which transformed their once-bustling family hub into an opulent private bathroom spa. This stunning bathroom remodel showcases how evolving needs and tastes can inspire a whole new level of luxury and relaxation.

    Evolving Needs: A Shift from Activity to Tranquility

    Transforming Traditions: A Fun-filled Family Hub Evolves into a Luxury Spa

    Mark and Linda’s story began with a space that was once the center of family life. The basement had hosted everything from kids’ sleepovers and family movie nights to workout sessions and craft projects. But as their children grew up and life shifted, so did their priorities. Mark and Linda decided it was time to reclaim the basement as a space for themselves—a personal retreat where they could unwind and focus on their wellness.

    And what better place to start than with the bathroom? For Mark and Linda, the vision was clear: they wanted a luxurious spa-like experience that would rival any high-end retreat. After decades of using the basement for family activities, it was transformed into a high-end wellness sanctuary and luxury spa.

    A Spa-Like Experience at Home: Luxury Redefined

    The new bathroom in Mark and Linda’s basement is nothing short of indulgent. It’s a space designed not just for function, but for the ultimate spa experience—a place where you can escape from the world and relax in luxury. Imagine stepping into a bathroom where every detail has been carefully considered to bring you comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

    Luxury bathroom with Encaustic tile design

    At the heart of this stunning bathroom is an oversized soaking tub, perfect for unwinding after a long day. With the help of a convenient ice maker located right in the bathroom, you can quickly fill the tub with refreshing, ice-cold water for a true spa-like experience. Paired with a large walk-in shower complete with modern matte black fixtures, this bathroom offers both practicality and pampering.

    Towel-warming drawer in a remodeled basement spa-like bathroom

    But the luxury doesn’t stop there. The bathroom also features a towel-warming drawer, ensuring you always have a warm, cozy towel ready when you step out of the tub or shower. 

    Washer and dryer located in a spa-like bathroom remodel

     

    Modern Aesthetics: A Blend of Style and Function

    The aesthetic of this luxury bathroom is nothing short of breathtaking. Mark and Linda wanted a space that felt both modern and inviting, and that’s exactly what the Creative Contracting team delivered. The design combines sleek industrial touches with warm, natural elements, creating a space that feels both edgy and elegant.

    An image of a spa-like bathroom with two LED mirrors and encaustic tile wall

    Bold encaustic tiles serve as the focal point of the room, perfectly complementing the dark tile floors and black marble countertops. White custom cabinetry offers ample storage while balancing the room’s bold design elements.

    Brushed nickel hooks in a spa-like bathroom remodel

    The fixtures in this bathroom are carefully chosen to complement the overall aesthetic. From matte black to brushed nickel, each piece adds to the modern, sleek feel of the space. The result is a bathroom that feels like a high-end spa, but with the comfort and convenience of home.

    Illuminating Ambiance: Setting the Right Mood

    Luxury spa bathroom with dark tile flooring, dark marble countertops, white custom cabinetry and a sauna

    In a room with no natural light, lighting is everything. For Mark and Linda, lighting was a key consideration in their bathroom redesign. To create a warm, inviting atmosphere, we incorporated soft, ambient lighting throughout the space. The bathroom walls, finished with a hand-applied plaster technique, gleam under the soft glow of carefully placed lights, giving the room a calming, spa-like feel.

    For an added touch of luxury and ambiance, battery-operated flickering candles in large rattan holders were placed throughout the space. Not only do they add a soft, ambient glow, but they also serve as a practical solution for safety, especially with the family’s cats. 

    Image of the door in a spa-like bathroom remodel with a cut-out for cats to access the room

    And to ensure that their feline companions weren’t left out, we customized the bathroom doors to allow easy access to their kitty litter boxes, seamlessly integrating their needs without sacrificing the serene spa environment.

    Bringing the Vision to Life: Overcoming Challenges With Creativity 

    Luxury state-of-the-art sauna in a spa-like bathroom remodel

    One of the most impressive aspects of this bathroom transformation was the installation of the enormous sauna. It was too large to fit through the basement doors, so our team took on the challenge of lowering it through the upstairs family room floor. This innovative solution allowed us to install the state-of-the-art sauna without damaging any part of the family’s living space. Today, you’d never know the family room floor had been touched.

    Now Is the Time to Transform Your Space

    With fall fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to think about how you can reenvision your home, especially the bathroom. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious spa retreat or a more functional space to meet your everyday needs, Creative Contracting is here to help bring your vision to life.

    Mark and Linda’s stunning bathroom transformation serves as a reminder that our spaces should evolve with us. As we move into a new season, it’s time to consider how your home can be reimagined to fit your lifestyle and personal taste.

    Contact us today to start your journey toward the bathroom of your dreams. Whether it’s a complete redesign or a small upgrade, Creative Contracting is here to turn your ideas into reality. Your luxurious bathroom awaits!

    Our Blue Bell Bathroom Remodel Wins the 2023 Chrysalis Award

    Recently the bathroom remodel we completed for our clients in Blue Bell, Montgomery County was entered into the 2023 Chrysalis Award sponsored by Qualified Remodeler and Kitchen & Bath Design News. We’re thrilled to announce that this project was awarded the Chrysalis Award for the North region of the U.S. for projects with a budget between $50,000 – $75,000. 

    From start to finish, we’re so proud of how our team listened to our clients’ needs, designed around their budget and vision to completed the space with exceptional attention to detail. We detailed our approach and how our design-build process allowed for a seamless transition from concept through construction and finally to the stunning finished result.

    A Sensational Bathroom Remodel Takes Shape

    Our Blue Bell clients came to us wanting to give a new, more dramatic look to their dated, beige bathroom which lacked space and functionality.

    The homeowners wanted to swap their old jetted tub for a sleek new soaking tub and bring more style to their basic shower stall. The scope of the remodel would require a complete gut of the entire bathroom in order to bring our clients’ vision to life. Their goal was to create a transitional-style bathroom with the welcoming touches of furniture-style cabinetry paired with state-of-the-art technology such as a Bluetooth controlled shower and body sprays. 

    After presenting a floor plan, we then began to bring this bathroom remodel to life using design software that allows us to create 3D renderings of the new space. This enables our clients to immerse themselves into the renovation before construction begins. 

    To create that rich, luxurious look our clients craved we paired a dark shower tile with a custom glass doorless entry to enhance the transitional aspect of the space. The pairing of traditional elements, such as the rustic cabinetry and black metal hardware, with modern touches, like the polished nickel fixtures adds a glamorous contrast that’s visually captivating. 

    The black and white color palette with neutral gray walls and dark wood is soothing and sets the tone for a tranquil aesthetic that gives the bathroom an elevated level of sophistication and timeless beauty. We’re proud to report that this project stayed within budget and our detailed design and planning allowed for a streamlined process that avoided last minute changes and costly delays.

    Creative Solutions to Design Challenges

    To not exceed the target budget, our designers needed to find a creative way to fit all of the spacious additions into the bathroom’s original footprint. Part of these confines included needing to keep the toilet in its original location to avoid costly plumbing rerouting. 

    By eliminating an underused linen closet, we were able to add more space to provide room for the soaking tub, more spacious shower and the generously-sized vanity that our homeowners had their heart set on.  

    To give the space the elegant, dramatic feel that our clients requested, we brought in rich, dark tiles to ensconce the shower walls and surround the elegant soaking tub. Since the space is windowless, we offset these deep tones of the shower with a crisp white porcelain floor and luxurious Carrara marble countertops. With a combination of wood, stone and tile, the space exudes natural elegance and a harmonious style.

    Building an Award-Winning Bathroom in Blue Bell

    We’re grateful to the judges who chose to honor our work on this bathroom remodel. But what means the most to us is how thrilled the homeowners are with their remodeled bathroom. Knowing that we were able to create a space that perfectly reflects the refinement of their personal style in a space that will be a welcomed retreat for the entire family for years to come, is what matters most to our team. 

    By redesigning the layout of this previously cramped bathroom, our team was about to include everything that was on our clients’ wishlist while staying on budget. Our thorough design and materials selection process helped ensure a smooth construction phase and perfectly executed outcome. We look forward to creating more award-winning spaces for homeowners in Bucks and Montgomery Counties.  

    Reimagining a Lansdale Home: A First Floor Suite Addition for Comfort and Aging in Place

    3D Rendering of Colonial Home with Addition

    Do you love your neighborhood, but feel like your two-story home isn’t the best layout for aging in place? That’s just what our Lansdale clients were facing when they came to us looking for a clever solution. Hearing their concerns about constantly having to navigate the large layout, including the stairs of their two-story Colonial, working together with the clients, we developed a plan to construct an accessible ranch-style addition. Read on to discover how this practical step can allow you to live in style while remaining in the home you love. 

    An Accessible Addition Is a Practical Alternative to Moving 

    Today, many active seniors are questioning the costs involved in downsizing to a smaller home. With an ever-shrinking home inventory, it can be especially difficult to find a home with accessibility and safety features that provide one-floor living.

    The other option is attempting to land one of the small number of spots in a 55+ community. The new housing market for one floor, luxury living in a 55+ community can be outrageously priced. It is also extremely competitive in Montgomery County and the surrounding suburbs, so finding a new place that you love can become a very difficult task in our area.

    While 55+ communities offer accessible construction, we’re meeting many people who don’t want to leave the house that they worked so hard to make a home over the years. Here at Creative Contracting, we understand that your house isn’t just a property but a place where some of your best memories have been made, where your children have been raised, holidays have been spent and traditions created. There’s also the neighborhood to think of, a place where you may have spent years forming bonds and building friendships. Leaving all that you’ve spent years working towards doesn’t have to be the only option. We are seeing a continuing trend for people to age in place in the home they love and we’re happy to be there to make this possible. 

    Explore Our Plans for This Lansdale Home Addition

    We are thrilled to share the details of our latest project — a first-floor ranch-style addition that will transform our client’s home into the ultimate aging-in-place retreat! After extensive research, this couple knew exactly what they wanted in a primary suite. We listened to their desires and paid attention to every detail. The couple envisioned a luxurious and functional space that would not only cater to their current needs but also accommodate their future requirements. Working closely with our design team, they expressed a strong preference for an open layout to enhance accessibility and maneuverability, allowing for easy movement throughout the space.

    Creative Contracting Existing Floor Plans

     

    Creative Contracting Proposed Floor Plans

    As you can see from our floor plans, this new addition will create a first-floor primary suite, equipped with a primary bathroom, that will ensure comfort, accessibility and elegance. The couple’s new bathroom will incorporate features that will truly elevate their experience. A curbless shower will be the highlight of this design, thoughtfully designed for easy and safe entry.  

    Creative Contracting Bathroom Plans

    Safety is of the utmost importance, which is why we will install a shower seat and safety bars. But please don’t think for a moment that practicality compromises style! Our experienced interior designers will incorporate these elements, ensuring that they blend harmoniously with the modern aesthetic of the space.

     

    Creative Contracting Front Elevation

    Creative Contracting 3D Addition

    With the desire for a distinguished stone façade, the couple envisioned an addition that would set their home apart from the rest. Our team worked closely with them to craft a design that captured their aspirations while thoughtfully considering their budget. After exploring various options, our clients decided to opt for the same siding of their existing home, skillfully blending the new addition with the original structure. Thanks to our meticulous 3D rendering, it’s evident that this cost-effective choice will create a seamless integration that will elevate the home’s original charm.

    Stay In Your Home Instead of Uprooting Your Family

     Our Lansdale clients love the idea of lower-maintenance living and that’s just what they’ll enjoy with this one-floor living that’s built for their convenience. And the best part is, they won’t have to give up the beautiful and spacious home where they raised their children in a neighborhood where they’ve built deeply rooted community ties. As housing prices continue to rise and the market of new homes remains small, the advantages of modifying your family home and investing in a place you already love can make the most sense.

    Take a New Look At Accessibility

    At Creative Contracting, we understand that you’ve worked hard all of your life to enjoy your retirement years. That’s why we’re here to help you live those years in style and comfort! The Creative Contracting team is committed to being experts in the many new options available and we’re experienced in helping homeowners in Montgomery County design an addition that makes sense for their individual lifestyle and needs. 

    We believe you don’t have to sacrifice style when designing for accessibility and make a point to create spaces that look as stunning as they are safe. For instance, forget what you know about those institutional looking tub safety bars. Today we can add in more attractive options such as framed showers and trendy wet-rooms (which allow for a shower to be placed without any need for a step or threshold). 

    Elevator for aging-in-place

    Or perhaps it’s worth considering incorporating the increasingly popular option of an elevator or lift into your home’s design. We’ve helped clients add in these home mobility enhancements while seamlessly incorporating them into the home’s overall design aesthetic. Whether or not accessibility is a concern in your life right now, we encourage clients to think long-term about these modifications and additions. Having a plan and preparing your house now can provide you with countless years of enjoyment in the future. Contact us to get started on your own home transformation.

     

    A modern bathroom, perfect for home remodeling, features a glass-enclosed shower with a rainfall showerhead and decorative tile inset. The vanity boasts a white countertop, blue cabinets, greenery in a vase, and a large mirrored cabinet. Natural light floods the well-lit space.

    4 Signs Your Bathroom Needs a Remodel

    Home remodeling is a great way to add value to your home and make your time living there more comfortable. There’s no better way to make your home more comfortable than with a bathroom remodel! Below are some signs you should consider remodeling your bathroom for an aesthetic upgrade and improved functionality.

    1. The Toilet Has Cracks

    According to the World Toilet Organization, the average person uses the toilet around 2,500 times every year! Unfortunately, toilet seats, and any parts that come in contact with water, are prone to cracking and degrading over time. Cracks can cause bacteria to accumulate more easily and make it difficult for your toilet to function properly. If you notice cracks in your toilet seat or base, a bathroom remodel can be a great way to get a durable, hygienic replacement.

    2. You Have Changing Needs

    Our lives are always changing. As our needs change, the layout of our homes should also adjust accordingly. If you’ve been living in your home for a while and find yourself wishing for different bathroom fixtures or storage solutions, it may be time to remodel your bathroom. It can be as simple as swapping out an old bathtub for a new walk-in shower or adding extra storage space with shelves and cabinets.

    3. It Has an Outdated Design

    Technology is constantly advancing, so why should your bathroom stay the same? Outdated designs are often inefficient and lack modern amenities. Updating the design of your bathroom can bring it into the 21st century with cutting-edge features like heated floors, energy-efficient lighting, and luxurious bathtubs. Home remodeling that focuses on technology will also give you the opportunity to choose from an array of colors, textures, and materials for a completely unique look.

    4. There Are Damaged Fixtures

    Bathrooms tend to get a lot of use and abuse. Over time, fixtures can become damaged or worn out from regular use. A bathroom remodel is a great way to upgrade your fixtures for better performance and aesthetics. You can choose from a variety of modern faucets, showers, and toilets that are designed to be both beautiful and functional.

    If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it may be time to consider remodeling your bathroom for a more efficient and comfortable living space. You’ll find that the time and effort invested in a bathroom remodel will pay off in the long run, as your home’s value and convenience are improved. Give us a call at Creative Contracting to get started on your home remodeling project in North Wales, PA.

    From Beige to Bold: A Luxurious New Bathroom in Blue Bell, PA

    Our Blue Bell clients came to us wanting to update their primary bathroom, which at the time featured a closed off shower stall and oversized tub. Since this was the family’s primary bath, we wanted to make sure it delivered plenty of opportunities to rest and relax while providing major functionality. It was important to the family that the needs of their twin daughters were kept in mind throughout the design process. To make this space special and unique, we brought in all of the bells and whistles with the latest in bathroom technology and high-end style, let’s take a look!

    A Shower Built for Style

    This Blue Bell home’s original shower felt more like a closet. It was confining, difficult to clean, and had limited shelf storage. The homeowners stopped using their primary shower because of all the limitations of the original design. By reconfiguring the bathroom space and shrinking down the footprint of the tub area, we were able to give the homeowners a more open feeling, spa-like shower. We swapped the old shower’s small square beige tile for large-format rich, dark gray and black marbled porcelain tiles. This instantly made the space feel much larger and more refined.

    We continued that color motif on the smaller shower floor tiles, which replaced the previous space’s shower pan. To bring both fun and therapy to the area, lots of different shower heads were used, including an oversized main shower head as well as a handheld option and several built-in jets.

    This is all brought together with high-tech convenience by a Moen digital shower controller which can be controlled through a mobile app featuring preset temperature control. Now the family never has to spend extra time trying to get the shower to that “just right temperature.” We’re sure that will make their mornings much more relaxing. A shower bench flows naturally into the tub area in a warm Storm Gray quartz. The shower space is completed with gorgeous glass panels that ensure the room always feels open and inviting.

    Warm Woods Create a Natural

    Bathroom Retreat

    Wood isn’t the first material most people think of for a bathroom design. However, it can work wonders in warming up and softening the hard lines of tile and stone. In their bathroom remodel, our Blue Bell clients chose a gorgeous Pottery Barn Vanity, generously sized with a double sink that features a neutral marble top and polished nickel finishes. This vanity, with its many drawers and storage shelves is truly a centerpiece of the new bathroom, combining classic elements with modern lines and aesthetic touches.

    The warm tones of the vanity were carried through to the matching mirrored bathroom cabinets. On the opposing wall, we added a rustic wooden beam shelf to pull the feeling of wood throughout the space. Here, the family can add decorative touches to personalize the room even further.

    Transforming a Tub From

    Oversized to Indulgent

    Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to bathroom tubs. The wrong tub can take up too much room and limit the functionality of the rest of the space. That is what our Blue Bell clients experienced with their out-of-date jetted bathtub. To take back some of their square footage and put it to better use, we added a spa tub, which provides all of the soaking opportunities for relaxation while using only a portion of the bathroom’s floor space. This smaller footprint allowed us to give the family the best of both worlds, a roomy and relaxing shower and the space to sit and soak peacefully.

    Creative Contracting Helps Build

    Better Bathrooms

    We were thrilled to give our Blue Bell clients their dream bathroom and we’re sure they’re looking forward to guests experiencing the space over the holidays and through the new year. We help bring your visions for relaxation and luxury to life, with a simple, straightforward process that prioritizes your family’s comfort. Ready to soak in the experience of a fully remodeled bathroom? We’re ready to get started.

    A luxurious bathroom with a white marble bathtub and gold fixtures beneath a large window. Sunlight streams in, illuminating a gold vase with a green leaf on the window ledge. The backdrop features matching marble walls—a perfect home remodeling inspiration.

    Top 3 Qualities to Look for in a Bathroom Remodeler

    Home remodeling, especially bathroom remodeling, seems to be on every homeowner’s radar. About 51% of homeowners report they have a home remodeling project planned for the next year, according to Angi. If you are among the 51% of homeowners with remodeling plans and your bathroom is on the list, choosing the right bathroom remodeling company is vital. Look for these three qualities in a bathroom remodeler to get the best results.

    1. Track Record of Excellent Service

    While historical performance can’t necessarily predict future performance, it’s a good indicator. Having a good track record is an important quality to look for in a remodeling company. A strong reputation for leaving customers satisfied is hard-won. It means that the remodeling company makes customer service a priority.

    2. Experience

    One of the key qualities to ensure that your bathroom remodeling project comes together effortlessly (on your part) is experience. The right, experienced remodeling company will be able to overcome any obstacles that they come across during your bathroom renovation because they will likely have come across the obstacle before. Experience is also a factor when it comes to the level of skills that the contractors bring to the table. Choosing a home remodeling company that is established and has the right experience is one of the best ways to get your project done to perfection.

    3. Licensed and Insured

    You should never hire any company that is not both licensed and insured. Having a business license is proof that the company has taken the steps and has the experience needed to register with the city or state. Being insured means they are able to protect themselves in the event of an accident, rather than the responsibility falling on you as the homeowner.

    We all spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Why not make your bathroom a place you want to be? The right company can ensure that you get all the advantages of a newly refinished bathroom. Look for the qualities above in a home remodeling team to ensure that you are getting the best value. Call us at Creative Contracting in North Wales, PA to learn more today!

    Luxury Bath Remodel

    Scaled floor plan of original master bath.
    Before Floor Plan

    This is the original Master Bath floor plan of a two-story colonial home built in the 1960’s. Notice a tiny bathroom with a single sink and a cramped corner shower. Outside of the bathroom was an awkward dressing space with two closets. The closet doors hinged into each other and much of the space was not easily accessible.

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